
Controls
 65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivate system
Press the lever up or down while the system is 
active3. The displays in the instrument cluster 
disappear. You can use the system again as 
required.
In addition, the system is deactivated automati-
cally:
>When you apply pressure to the brake pedal
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's/SMG neutral position N
>When the manual transmission is in neutral
>When you deactivate the DSC Dynamic 
Stability Control
>When you actuate the parking brake during 
driving
>When the system reduces the speed to 
below 20 mph/30 km/h due to a traffic situ-
ation
The system deactivates automatically 
when the speed is set to below 20 mph/
30 km/h. An acoustic signal sounds and a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. The active 
intervention of the driver is required.<
When you switch off the ignition, the stored 
desired speed is deleted.
Resume to stored desired speed and 
distance setting
Press button4 when the system is deactivated.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster. 
The system is reactivated and uses the last 
stored desired speed and distance setting.
Fine adjustment of desired speed
In the activated state, the desired speed 
increases by 1 mph/1 km/h each time button4 
is pressed briefly.
Select distance
You can choose from four distance steps.
>Rotary switch downward: 
Increase distance.
>Rotary switch upward: 
Decrease distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3 
This distance is always set when 
the system is used for the first time 
after starting the engine.
Distance 4
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.< 

Driving
66
Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way 
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own 
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise 
controlling the vehicle. The driver should 
decide when to use the system on the basis of 
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. 
Active cruise control is intended for use on 
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving 
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in 
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush 
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or 
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow, 
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths. 
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's 
speed and distance setting within applicable 
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or 
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when 
the system is actively following a vehicle in front 
of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate 
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead 
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or when 
approaching a parked vehicle. Also, the system 
does not react to oncoming traffic, pedestrians 
or other types of potential traffic such as a rider 
on horseback. It is also possible that the system 
may not detect smaller moving objects such as 
motorcycles or bicycles. Be especially alert 
when encountering any of these situations as 
the system will neither automatically brake, nor 
provide a warning to you. Also, be aware that every decrease in the distance setting allows 
your vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front 
of you and requires a heightened amount of 
alertness.<
If your vehicle is actively following a vehicle in 
front of you and the vehicle ahead speeds up or 
the lane ahead becomes clear, then your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have 
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear, 
unobstructed lane will also result in your vehicle 
accelerating.
Be certain to deactivate the system when 
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner 
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's 
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause 
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the 
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action 
or apply the brakes if necessary.
Active cruise control can only decelerate the 
vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If the sys-
tem reduces vehicle speed below 20 mph/
30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged while driving, 
the system will automatically deactivate.
Remember, the system cannot stop your 
vehicle. In addition, the system is deacti-
vated whenever the driver applies the vehicle 
brakes, shifts the transmission to neutral/N, or 
deactivates DSC. After any deactivation, the 
system will no longer automatically activate the 
vehicle brakes, which means the driver must 
intervene and resume manual braking. You 
should then reactivate the system only when 
you are fully aware of the prior speed and dis-
tance settings.< 

Things to remember when driving
108
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one 
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues 
to provide optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km: 
You should attempt to vary both vehicle and 
engine speeds. Until the break-in period has 
been completed, you should also refrain from 
exceeding an engine speed of 4,500 rpm or a 
driving speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode during these 
initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/2,000 km, 
the engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased.
SMG Sequential manual transmission
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the 
break-in period, refer to page59.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
After component replacement
You should also comply with these break-in 
procedures should the components mentioned 
above need to be replaced at a later point.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely 
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could pene-
trate to the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the 
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Coupe: close both windows and the glass 
sunroof.
Convertible: with closed top, close all win-
dows.
2.Adjust the automatic climate control to sup-
ply a high air volume, refer to page95.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles equipped with a catalytic 
converter, extremely high temperatures 
are generated in this vehicle. Do not remove the 
heat shields installed adjacent to various sec-
tions of the exhaust system, and never apply 
undercoating to them. When driving, standing 
at idle and while parking, take care to avoid pos-
sible contact between the hot exhaust system 
and any highly flammable materials such as hay, 
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a 
fire, and with it the risk of serious property dam-
age as well as personal injury.< 

Driving tips
 109Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile communication devices in 
vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile com-
munication devices, e.g. portable phones, 
inside the vehicle without a direct connection to 
an external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle 
electronics and mobile communication device 
can influence one another. In addition, there is 
no assurance that the radiation emitted during 
transmission will be conveyed out of the vehicle 
interior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge 
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or 
complete loss of contact between the tires and 
the road surface, ultimately undermining your 
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread 
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tire tread on page171.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it 
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at 
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines.
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with 
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise 
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential manual transmission
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold 
the vehicle on a hill by applying the throt-
tle, but engage the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission 
region.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard. In 
situations that require it, it is best to brake with 
full force. Since the vehicle maintains steering 
responsiveness, you can still avoid possible 
obstacles with a minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to 
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the 
brake pedal. Even light but consistent 
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, 
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When driving on wet roads or in heavy rain, 
briefly brake with light pedal pressure at inter-
vals of a few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
other road users. The heat generated in this 
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure 
that full braking efficiency will then be available 
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and thus reduced 
efficiency of the brake system, downshift 
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or 
steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pedal pressure can lead to high tempera-
tures, brake wear and possibly even brake fail-
ure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking 
effect by selecting a lower gear in the automatic 
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as 
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches, 
refer to page58. This strategy helps you avoid 
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
Never drive with the clutch pressed 
or allow the vehicle to coast with the 
transmission in Neutral – or with the engine 
switched off – there is no engine braking when 
the transmission is in Neutral, and no power 
assist for brakes and steering when the engine 
is not running. 

Radio
138
Updating stations with best reception
If you are on a longer journey and leave the 
transmission range of the stations originally set, 
you can update the list of stations with the best 
reception.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Select "FM" or "AM".
2.Press the controller.
3.Move the controller forward to change 
fields.
4.Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
5.Press the controller again.
Other menu items are displayed.
6.Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
The display of the stations with the strongest 
reception is updated. The stations are dis-
played based on their frequencies.
Storing stations
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Select "FM" or "AM".
2.Select the desired station.
"Set" has been selected.
3.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
4.Select "Store" and press the controller.
"Presets" is displayed.
5.Turn the controller until the desired mem-
ory position is selected. 
The number of the memory position 
appears beside the name or frequency of 
the station.
6.Press the controller.
The station is stored. 

Giving and receiving assistance
188
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws 
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed 
vehicle for any reason.<
Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool kit 
mounted on the inside of the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat, refer to page180, and 
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be 
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the 
vehicle, observe the following: only use 
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and 
screw it in as far as possible. Use the tow fitting 
for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral strains on 
the tow fitting, e.g. do not the lift vehicle by the 
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol of the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering wheel 
could lock and it would be impossible to steer 
the vehicle. There is no power assist with the 
engine stopped. This then requires increased 
effort for braking and steering. Active steering is 
deactivated and larger steering wheel move-
ments are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual 
transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage selector-
lever position N, then switch off the ignition.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise 
it will not be possible to control vehicle 
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset 
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be strictly limited during cornering. 

Mobility
 189Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will 
exert lateral forces, tending to push the 
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only. 
Otherwise to other vehicle parts could 
result.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make 
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated 
stresses on vehicle components when 
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. 
Secure the tow rope to the tow fitting only. Oth-
erwise damage to other vehicle parts could 
result.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck 
with a so-called lift bar or on a load bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body 
and chassis parts, as otherwise damage 
may result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page186.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump 
start the engine, refer to page186.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Shift into 3rd gear, vehicles with SMG, see 
below.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch 
pedal completely depressed and slowly 
release the clutch. After the engine starts, 
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual trans-
mission:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear 
will be selected and engaged automatically. 

Technical data
192
Technical data
Engine specifications
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads 
or the gross vehicle weight.
 645Ci
Displacement
Number of cylinderscu in/cmµ268.4/4,398
8
Maximum output
at engine speedhp
rpm325
6,100
Maximum torque
at engine speedlb ft/Nm 
rpm 330/450
3,600
 645Ci Coupe 645Ci Convertible
Curb weight 
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission/SMGlbs./kg
3,781/1,715
3,792/1,7204,178/1,895
4,189/1,900
Approved gross weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission/SMGlbs./kg
4,619/2,095
4,630/2,1004,960/2,250
4,971/2,255
Load lbs./kg 838/380 772/350
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,271/1,030 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,513/1,140 2,778/1,260
Luggage compartment capacity
Convertible: with convertible top com-
partment floor up, refer to page34cu ft/l  15.9/450
–10.6/300
12.4/350